Category: Blended Learning

Top 10 Reasons Why to Take College Courses Online Before High School Graduation

In today’s fast-paced world, education has become essential to an individual’s life.  It is no secret that a college education opens numerous opportunities, but it can also be costly.  Luckily, there is a way for high school students to gain an advantage in their future endeavors while saving money and time.

 

Taking college courses online before graduating from high school is an excellent option that has recently gained popularity.  Let’s discuss why someone should take college courses online before high school graduation:

 

  1. Get A Head Start on Your College Education

One of the most significant advantages of taking college courses online before graduating from high school is that it allows you to get a head start on your college education.  You can earn college credits that transfer toward your degree program by taking online college courses.  With some college credits already under your belt, you can graduate faster and save money on tuition and other expenses.  Taking college courses online before graduating from high school and getting a head start also allows students more time to take internships during their college and jumpstart their careers.  Plus, some students who take college courses online before graduating from high school have maintained a specific grade point average to preserve scholarships or other financial assistance.

 

  1. Greater Flexibility and Convenience

One of the primary benefits of taking college courses online is the flexibility that comes with it.  Online learning offers greater flexibility and convenience than traditional classroom-based education.  High school students can work at their own pace and choose a schedule that works for them.  This flexibility allows students to balance their academic workload with extracurricular activities, family commitments, and part-time jobs.  Additionally, online courses can be accessed from anywhere, making it easier for students to fit their studies into their busy schedules.

 

  1. Save More Time and Money (Lower Costs)

Taking college courses online before graduating high school can save students time and money.  Online courses typically have lower tuition fees than their classroom-based counterparts, and students can save money on transportation, accommodation, and other expenses associated with attending college in person.  Additionally, online courses can be completed faster than traditional courses, allowing students to complete their college education faster and enter the workforce sooner.

 

  1. Get Exposed to College-Level Curriculum

Taking college courses online before graduating from high school can expose students to college-level curriculum and coursework.  This can help students better understand what college-level coursework entails, which can help them prepare for the rigor of college coursework.  This advantage can also help students decide if a particular field of study is the right choice before entering college.

 

  1. Develop Essential Skills

Taking college courses online before graduating high school can help students develop essential skills beneficial for their future careers.  Online learning requires self-discipline, time management, and effective communication skills.  Employers highly value these skills, which can be developed through online learning.  Students can develop these skills early on by taking college courses online before graduating from high school, giving them a competitive edge in the workforce.

 

  1. Explore Career Options and Different Fields

Taking college courses online before graduating high school can help students explore different career options.  Online courses offer various subjects and topics, allowing students to discover their interests and passions.  This can help students make informed decisions about their future careers and choose a major that aligns with their goals.  This can also help you broaden your horizons and discover new passions.

 

  1. Improve College Admissions Chances

Taking college courses online before graduating from high school can also improve students’ chances of getting accepted into their preferred college or university.  Admissions committees look for students who have demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to learning.  By taking college courses online and earning college credit, students can demonstrate their academic abilities and show that they are ready for college-level coursework.  This can help them stand out from other applicants and increase their chances of acceptance into their dream school.

 

  1. Build Important Connections

Taking college courses online before graduating from high school can also help you build important connections with other students and professionals in your field of interest.  Online courses often include discussion forums, group projects, and other collaborative learning activities, which can help you connect with other students who share your interests and goals.

 

  1. Access To Top Universities and Professors

Taking college courses online before graduating from high school exposes you to online learning platforms that often partner with top universities and professors to offer high-quality courses and learning materials.  This means you can access world-class education from the comfort of your home, regardless of where you live or what school you attend.

 

  1. Build A Robust College Application

Taking college courses online before graduating high school can also help you build a strong college application.  Colleges and universities look for students who have challenged themselves academically and demonstrated a commitment to learning.  By taking online college courses, you can show colleges and universities that you are a motivated and dedicated student eager to learn and succeed.

 

Taking college courses online before graduating from high school is an excellent opportunity for students to get ahead, save time and money, develop essential skills, explore different career options, improve their college admissions chances, and so much more.  Online learning offers a flexible and affordable way for students to earn college credits and gain valuable experience, setting them up for future success.

 

Written by:  Justin Hart

How to Balance Family, Work, and School While Taking Online College Courses

Balancing family, work, and school can be challenging, especially when taking college courses online. Juggling multiple responsibilities can often lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout. However, it is possible to balance these three aspects of life with a bit of planning and effort.

 

Here are seven tips on balancing family, work, and school while taking college courses online:

 

  1. Create a Schedule and Stick To It

One of the most effective ways to balance family, work, and school is to create and stick to a schedule. List all your commitments, including work hours, class schedules, family obligations, and study time. Create a daily or weekly schedule that allows you to manage your time efficiently. You can use a planner or a digital calendar to keep track of your plan and set reminders for important deadlines and appointments.

 

  1. Prioritize Your Tasks

When you have a lot of responsibilities, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. To avoid this, you need to prioritize your tasks. Start by identifying the most important tasks that must be done each day, such as attending classes, completing assignments, and spending time with your family. Then, prioritize your tasks based on their importance and urgency. This will help you focus on the tasks that require immediate attention and avoid wasting time on less important tasks.

 

  1. Set Realistic Goals

When you are juggling family, work, and school, it is essential to set realistic goals. Be honest about how much time you can dedicate to each task and set achievable goals. For example, if you have a full-time job and a family to care for, it may be unrealistic to aim for straight A’s in all your classes. Instead, focus on doing your best and balancing your academic and personal commitments.

 

  1. Communicate With Your Family and Employer

When you are balancing family, work, and school, it is crucial to communicate with your family and employer. Tell your family about your academic commitments and the time you need to study. Make sure they understand the importance of your education and how it will benefit your family in the long run. Similarly, inform your employer about your class schedule and any changes in your work hours. This will help them plan your workload accordingly and ensure that you have enough time to complete your assignments and attend classes.

 

  1. Take Advantage of Online Resources

You can access a wealth of online resources when you are taking college courses online. Take advantage of these resources to help you manage your time and stay organized. For example, you can use online tools such as Google Drive or Dropbox to store your class notes, assignments, and other important documents. You can also use productivity apps such as Trello or Asana to keep track of your tasks and deadlines.

 

  1. Stay Motivated

When juggling multiple responsibilities, it can be easy to lose motivation. To stay motivated, remind yourself why you pursued a college degree. Think about the benefits of education to your career and personal life. You can also join online study groups or forums to connect with other students and stay motivated.

 

  1. Take Breaks and Practice Self-care

Finally, taking breaks and practicing self-care when balancing family, work, and school is essential. Taking regular breaks will help you recharge your batteries and stay focused. It is also crucial to practice self-care, such as getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. Taking care of yourself will make you better equipped to handle the challenges of balancing multiple responsibilities.

 

By following these seven tips, balancing family, work, and school while taking college courses online is very possible.

 

Written By: Justin Hart

It’s Never Too Late to Be On Time

You may take issue with the title of this message, and in most cases, I would agree; however, in the context of when to start college, nothing could be more true.

Most people would agree that the best time to begin college training would be immediately after high school. A marketing services firm tells us that more than 47% of students attending colleges or universities in the US are older than 25. Another interesting statistic is the percentage of non-traditional students in the US, which is 74% says NCES (National Center for Education Statistics). So, if you’ve been out of school for several years or the job market has forced you to retrain and upgrade your professional skills at any age, you are not alone!

Our office receives calls from prospective students of all ages, some even approaching retirement. A lady in Roanoke, Virginia, once told me her dream was to earn her RN. She had been an LPN most of her life and always wanted to earn that title. She enrolled, completed her program, earned her RN, and called me to brag a bit. She was incredible.

Online education has exploded over the last few years. It offers flexibility, especially for non-traditional adult students. Self-paced, online programs allow the student to continue working and raising a family.

If you find yourself in a position that requires additional education, you are not alone. There are unprecedented opportunities in today’s job market. Ever thought about becoming an RN? There are tens of thousands of RN positions open across the country. Have you dreamed about flying? Major airlines are scrambling to find more pilots. The USBLS says there will be over 14,500 openings for pilots over the next few years. These high-paying positions are just waiting for you to complete your academic training to secure higher pay, better benefits, and job security.

There has never been a better time to pursue higher education, regardless of age. So, you see, “On time” is relative, and it never is too late to be on time. Distance Learning Systems is a great place to start your journey. With over 30 university partnerships across the nation, Distance Learning Systems can save you time and money in pursuing your degree. DLSI will start you on the road to your choice of over 450 online degree programs that truly are life-changing. You should call them today; you’ll be right on time!

 

Written by Dave Christy

How to Choose an Online School

Today, with the advancement in technology and the rising costs of education, more and more people seek to earn a degree online. We understand that traditional education may not be for everyone. 

People have families, jobs, or obligations that keep them busy throughout the day, so earning a degree online is another way to achieve their educational goals without ever stepping onto campus. If you think you are one of these people, selecting an online college or university to earn your degree can be stressful and challenging for some to navigate. 

There can be many different things to consider when choosing the best online school for you, so we’ve put together a list of 3 helpful and quick tips for choosing an online university or college.

 

Tip #1: Choose an Accredited School

Earning a degree from an accredited school is essential because it helps determine if a college or university meets or exceeds minimum quality standards and maintains specific educational standards. It would be best if you took the time to research accredited colleges and universities that offer online degrees, which could impact your future career. An excellent place to start your research is on the U.S. Department of Education website https://www.ed.gov/accreditation. If researching is not something you have the time for, some online education providers customize paths to earning a degree online from an accredited school. 

Tip #2: Make Sure its 100% Online

Deciding on your major is an important decision, along with the school you choose, and not every university or college makes all of their majors available online. This can make it tricky for those who want to earn a degree online for the career they want to pursue. Some degree programs can be hybrid, a mix of online and on-campus courses, and not 100% online. If you know the degree you want, you will want to verify that your degree and classes are all online. If you are unsure of your major, there are online education providers that offer Gen Ed and General Elective courses that you can earn college credits and transfer those credits towards hundreds of different degree programs.

Tip #3: Research Costs and Admission Requirements

The cost of education and the admission requirements can be a big hurdle to clear. Investing in your education is an investment in yourself and your future. Still, you’ll want to start by comparing tuition costs, other fees, financial aid, and checking admission requirements. Also, ensure you don’t miss additional expenses such as course fees, textbook fees, course materials, labs, and technology fees. If evaluating the costs and admission requirements becomes too confusing or daunting, there are online education providers that will help you better understand the cost and admission requirements for obtaining your degree from an online school.

 

 Following these tips will equip you with the information you need to find the best online college or university or choose help from an online education provider. Distance Learning Systems is one online education provider that helps students enroll in some of the nation’s top online colleges and universities. Also known as DLSI, Distance Learning Systems is a premier provider of coursework that satisfies degree requirements for regionally accredited university partners. 

 

Written by Justin Hart